How to Explain Sexual Education to Children

Children are exposed to a lot more these days compared to decades past. With the rise of Internet availability in many households, the ease of access to all sorts of information has increased dramatically. This can be dangerous to a developing child, especially when it comes to sex. By themselves, children are too young to understand the intricacies of sex and sexual development in their own bodies. If left to their own devices, kids learning about sex through improper channels can grow up terribly misinformed. It is up to parents to take the initiative and instruct them properly about sex.

Expect the eventual curiosity of your kids. Ask what they already know and correct them as you go along. In simple detail, explain how sex works. For example, you can say that the penis goes in the vagina during sex, using diagrams for clarity. Be honest with your answers or else children will go looking for them in the wrong places.

Do not laugh or shy away from these questions as this may give the impression that talking about sex is wrong. The same goes for giving funny nicknames to the act of sex and body parts. Despite your unease, keep going and give your child the impression that you are open and the best source for these answers

Explain how puberty works if your teens or preteens have questions about the changes happening to their bodies. Diagrams will help here as well. Explain how these changes are normal, and that they shouldn't be ashamed. Sharing your experiences with puberty can help your kids a great deal.

Talk about the responsibilities and consequences related to the sexual act. Explaining what it takes to care for a baby, and talking about the diseases brought about by promiscuity will help teens decide if they are ready for sex. On the other side, explain the joys of sex in a committed relationship for a balanced view.

Use everyday moments as a springboard to further enhance your child's sexual education. A commercial for tampons could lead to a discussion on menstruation. A pregnancy in the family can lead to a discussion on the development of the foetus and the pregnant mother. It's impossible to discuss everything in one sitting, so take the opportunities as they come.